NINE hundred years of heritage. A century of lacrosse. A dark blue side which has lost half its winning varsity squad. This was the position of OULC at the start of this term and I would be lying if I denied being apprehensive about assuming the captaincy of the women’s team.
However, respecting the consistently high standards that the crosse-wielding females of Oxford have achieved in past years, my vice captains (Oli Valner at Teddy Hall and Alex Carruthers of Univ) and I were determined that this year should be no different.
With a depleted yet strong body of players, we had high hopes that this year’s set of freshers would turn out in full force to replenish our squad, and to reverse last season’s situation when only six first years were competing for places. Our hopes were not misplaced; if any of you were wandering the streets of Oxford last Wednesday night, you might have been lucky enough to encounter a large rabble of rowdy animals being shepherded by their zoo keepers from Cowley to the town centre. This was, in fact, the 18-strong group of freshers being initiated into the lacrosse squad.
Whilst the coordination of the fresher group on that particular night might lead people to doubt the aptitude of this year’s squad, if you were to frequent the Iffley Road Astroturf on a Sunday evening, or stroll through Parks on a Friday afternoon (or even sunrise on Mondays morning if you are so inclined), a very different situation becomes apparent. Not only would you be able to see that the newcomers bring with them a great deal of talent and commitment, but, even more excitingly, a great deal of potential. With such a healthy influx of new players and a good start to the season, there is nothing to suggest that a defining memory of second year will not be another Varsity victory and, even better, this time at home.
